TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 2, 2015) - The union representing workers at City of Toronto paramedic services called today's announcement that Ombudsman Fiona Crean would conduct an investigation of operational stress injuries among workers of Toronto Paramedic Services (TPS) a "welcome development."

"We believe the Ombudsman's announcement is a welcome development that sends a message that our members' concerns are far too important to be ignored any longer," said Matt Alloway, Vice Chair of the TPS Unit for the Toronto Civic Employees Union (TCEU), Local 416 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE 416).

Crean's announcement today comes on the heels of a vote by Toronto City Council last month to request a staff report into ongoing staff morale issues at TPS.

Alloway said the union would be encouraging TPS workers to actively participate in the Ombudsman's investigation.

"Fiona Crean's investigation will provide vital insights into many of the issues facing our members, which is why we are encouraging them to make their voices heard through whatever forums the Ombudsman creates for those voices," said Alloway.

"This is an opportunity to improve the working conditions of our members, who are very often subjected to ongoing psychological trauma while doing their jobs, which is to save peoples' lives," he added.

In addition to encouraging TPS workers to get involved in the ombudsman's investigation, Alloway said CUPE 416 was committed to assisting the Ombudsman's office throughout the process.

However, CUPE noted that today's announcement by the Ombudsman covers only occupational injuries to TPS workers. The union is still seeking ways to work with City staff to address issues of overall morale among TPS workers. The original motion to council specifically sought to address concerns about morale.

"Our goal is to ensure that TPS workers have the supports they need to provide the level of service residents deserve and expect, while remaining both physically and emotionally healthy enough to perform their jobs in a safe and effective manner. We will work with all parties to identify and implement solutions that both benefit the public and enhance our members' well-being," Alloway said.